The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP) announces that Kevin Koontz of Boonsboro recently became the first person to graduate from a new competency-based apprenticeship program at DVF Corporation in Hagerstown. Now a journeyman CNC (computer numeric controlled) machinist, Koontz completed the program over two years, participating in three levels of technical on-the-job training and 288 hours of online instruction. He passed a national assessment and successfully demonstrated his competency and skill by completing two required projects.
DVF Corporation specializes in creating turn-key automation equipment for the commercial industry. The company was one of the first in the state to partner with MD MEP to create a competency-based apprenticeship program to develop young talent with the technical skills that are required in today’s workshop.
“The manufacturing world to me, in Maryland, has changed dramatically,” said Jay Wolfe, president, DVF Corporation. “It’s become a far more technically-based business; we work constantly with computers and managing a project in the shop requires a high level of experience and knowledge. Kevin is very committed to his future in manufacturing and growing his skillset. I know he has a desire to take on leadership roles in operations as well and I think that’s in his future.”
After deciding that college was not the best option for him, Koontz studied electrical wiring at Washington Technical High School, which led to the opportunity at DVF.
“To me what’s inspiring about my story is to see some country boy, or someone who grew up in the sticks, be able to accomplish so much” he said. “DVF has invested in me and they trust me to run the shop, and to me, that’s huge. Because of MD MEP and this company, they’ve given me a pathway.”
In 2019, Koontz and DVF Corporation were featured in MD MEP’s “Faces of Manufacturing” video series. To learn more about his story, view the video at mdmep.org/faces-of-manufacturing/.
